Coronavirus and handwashing

How is coronavirus spread?

Coronavirus is a type of virus called an envelope virus. It consists of RNA enclosed in a phospholipid protein envelope. The virus self-assembles from RNA, proteins and lipids. The lipids form a protective coat around the virus.

Coronavirus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person contact. This needs close contact – within about two metres of each other. Droplets produced when a person sneezes or coughs can land on the mouths or noses of people nearby.

It is possible that if the droplets land on a hard surface the virus can survive for hours or days. If a person touches the infected surface they may then touch their own mouth or nose and become infected.

How to prevent the spread of coronavirus

Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser can disrupt the virus. Both soap and alcohol are thought to disrupt the lipid membrane.

Use the starter slides or worksheet with your class (16–18) to help them think in more detail about how the virus spreads and the chemistry of how soap and alcohol can prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Read more about coronavirus in Chemistry World.